Piran, commander of the Turanian forces, selected ten of his most renowned and fully armored knights, all lions of combat eagerly seeking renown. In response, Goudarz son of Kashvad summoned ten valiant young champions of Iran to step forth into the arena of doom. The two great warlords paired each Iranian warrior directly with a Turanian rival: Giv, burning with ancient rage, was matched against Garoy-e Zereh—the cursed villain upon whom lay the everlasting wrath of the Persian throne for holding the beard of innocent Prince Siyavash and severing his sacred head. Fariburz, son of King Kavus, moved against Kulbad; Rohham son of Goudarz faced the suspicious Barman; mighty Gorazeh clashed with the Turanian Siamak; battle-hardened Gorgin squared off against Andariman; bold Bizhan charged at Ruyin; Zangeh-ye Shavaran met Owhast; Bartah engaged Kahram; Furuhal faced Zangaleh; and the lion-hearted Hajir confronted Sipahram. Finally, the two supreme commanders—Goudarz and Piran—bound themselves for the eleventh and ultimate duel, their hearts filled with sorrow and vengeance for kingdom and holy duty. They swore a binding oath that neither would turn away until fate declared the victor of the day. Two high hills overlooking the vast plain were appointed as signposts—one for Iran and one for Turan—where any champion who overthrew his adversary would ride up to raise his battle flag. With swords, maces, bows, and lassos, the champions unleashed a cataclysmic clash across the open plain. So fierce was the turmoil and so heavy the hand of destiny that horses stumbled and warriors strained in an excruciating test of strength, bound by divine fate as the earth ran red with blood.